How much does camping cost at Left Tailrace?

Camping fees at Left Tailrace range from $16-$22/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Left Tailrace first-come first-served or reservation?

Left Tailrace accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Left Tailrace before I book?

Yes! Left Tailrace has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Left Tailrace?

Left Tailrace is open May 01 to September 30 (annual peak season).. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Left Tailrace?

Yes, Left Tailrace has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Left Tailrace?

Fire policies at Left Tailrace: Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Left Tailrace have?

Left Tailrace has 93 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Left Tailrace?

Yes, pets are allowed at Left Tailrace. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Left Tailrace?

Left Tailrace offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Left Tailrace?

Popular activities at Left Tailrace include Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Left Tailrace

4.22

549 reviews

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, BIG BEND PROJECT OFFICE, 33573 NORTH SHORE RD, CHAMBERLAIN, SD 57325, USA

FishingSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping South Dakota RV Camping South Dakota

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

1,371 ft

Price

$16 - $22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

93 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

1,371 ft

Price

$16 - $22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

93 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Left Tailrace

$16.00 - $22.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Electric sites are $22 per night, and Tent Only Nonelectric sites are $16 per night during the peak season from May 1 to September 30....

Standard Site Fee$22.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$16.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

605-245-2173

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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 549 reviews

164 Google reviews

Most mentioned

friendlywell-maintainedsites

"User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, friendly staff, and excellent fishing opportunities. However, some users have raised concerns about theft, water quality, and occasional late-night disturbances."

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Campground Map

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, BIG BEND PROJECT OFFICE, 33573 NORTH SHORE RD, CHAMBERLAIN, SD 57325, USA

Left Tailrace

U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, BIG BEND PROJECT OFFICE, 33573 NORTH SHORE RD, CHAMBERLAIN, SD 57325, USA

Nearby places

Fort Thompson (3 miles), Chamberlain (20 miles), Pierre (65 miles)

Nearby supplies

Fort Thompson has a convenience store and a casino but lacks extensive grocery options. "Better make sure you have supplies." Chamberlain, located 20 miles away, offers more comprehensive shopping options.

Driving directionsFrom west bound I-90 take exit 265 at Chamberlain SD, turn right on to Highway 50 travel approximately 16 miles, turn left on to BIA Highway 4, travel 8 miles to Fort Thompson SD, turn left on to Highway 47 travel 3 miles then take a left at the Left Tailrace Campground sign on Big Bend Dam, then travel approximately 1 mile to the Left Tailrace Campground. From East bound I-90 take exit 248 at Reliance SD, take a left onto Highway 47 northbound, travel 18 miles to Big Bend Dam. Turn right after crossing the Power House bridge, then turn right at the Left Tailrace Campground sign, and travel about 1 mile to the Left Tailrace Campground.

The campground is accessible via paved roads, but some user reviews mention rough road conditions on certain routes, such as Highway 47. "The road from the interstate at Reliance to it is pretty rough to pull on but doable at slower speeds." Seasonal road closures or challenges are not specified.

Best Time to Camp at Left Tailrace

Fall brings the best conditions: daytime highs between 55 and 75°F, crisp mornings in the 30s and 40s, and far fewer insects than summer. Walleye fishing is productive from shore and boat as water temperatures drop, and migrating waterfowl add to wildlife viewing. Expect crowds around Labor Day weekend, then quieter mid- and late-September. Spring and fall also deliver pleasant afternoons after cold mornings, though wind is relentless across the exposed prairie. Summer brings occasional humidity cut by river breezes. Winter activities are possible but the wind makes exposed sites feel much colder than the thermometer suggests.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall (early season) and late spring are cited as quieter, cooler and ideal seasons by reviewers.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 30 (annual peak season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations May 1, 2025, through September 30, 2025.

About Left Tailrace

Left Tailrace Campground sits directly below Big Bend Dam on the Missouri River, 80 miles upstream from Pierre. The campground has 93 sites (81 with electric hookups, 12 tent sites) spread across upper and lower loops, with rates from $16 to $22 per night. Fishing for walleye in the tailrace waters draws most visitors, though theft reports in reviews suggest locking gear at night.

Left Tailrace Campground offers a mix of camping options, including standard electric sites, tent-only sites, and double sites for larger groups.

Historical Significance

Big Bend Dam was completed in 1966, creating Lake Sharpe and transforming this section of the Missouri into a controlled reservoir system. The Corps of Engineers offers dam tours from Memorial Day through Labor Day that show the structure's inner workings. The surrounding plains have been shaped by the Missouri for millennia, though the modern tailrace environment below the dam is less than 60 years old.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best conditions: daytime highs between 55 and 75°F, crisp mornings in the 30s and 40s, and far fewer insects than summer. Walleye fishing is productive from shore and boat as water temperatures drop, and migrating waterfowl add to wildlife viewing. Expect crowds around Labor Day weekend, then quieter mid- and late-September. Spring and fall also deliver pleasant afternoons after cold mornings, though wind is relentless across the exposed prairie. Summer brings occasional humidity cut by river breezes. Winter activities are possible but the wind makes exposed sites feel much colder than the thermometer suggests.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a transitional zone where the controlled reservoir above Big Bend Dam gives way to free-flowing river below. Grasslands stretch toward the horizon with minimal interruption, and the Missouri runs in a silver corridor through the plains. White-tailed deer browse near campsites at dawn, and migrating waterfowl follow the river corridor in spring and fall. Eagles and prairie songbirds work the thermals above the water. The landscape is exposed. Wind is constant and strong, with few natural windbreaks beyond planted shade trees at individual sites.

Geological RegionPerched on the edge of central South Dakota's vast Great Plains, Left Tailrace Campground occupies a dramatic position where ancient geological forces meet modern engineering. The Missouri River's serpentine 80-mile journey from Big Bend Dam to Pierre has carved a living corridor through grasslands that have remained largely unchanged since the age of the mammoth. This unique location below Lake Francis Case places campers at the intersection of two worlds - the controlled reservoir above and the free-flowing river below, where the prairie ecosystem thrives in its timeless rhythm. The surrounding landscape tells the story of ice ages, inland seas, and the patient work of wind and water sculpting the plains into their current magnificent form.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in information not explicitly provided.

Check-out

Check-out information not explicitly provided.

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Standard Electric campsites allow one wheeled camping unit and one tent or two tents if no wheeled camping unit is present. Tent-only campsites allow two tents.

Groups

Group sites are limited and may include 'double' sites where two camping units can park back-to-back. These sites are often closer to the water.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground divides into a lower loop (sites 1–12 singles, 14–22 doubles) and an upper loop (sites 23–72), plus a separate tent area. Sites are mostly level with a mix of pull-through and back-in options. Spacing varies. Some sites feel roomy, others cramped, especially the doubles. Not all sites have water spigots nearby, so bring a long hose.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is allowed. "Drive up with no reservation" is possible according to user feedback.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made online, in the app, or via the contact center. Late cancellations (starting midnight one calendar day before check-in) incur a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's use fee. No refunds are issued for fee-free tickets.

AccessibilityThe campground is equipped with paved roads and accessible water spigots. However, some campers noted difficulty accessing fishing areas due to rocky shores, which could be challenging for individuals with mobility issues.

Site SizeSites range from standard to large, with pull-through and back-in options available. Tent sites are generally spacious and well-situated, while RV sites are described as spacious enough to accommodate large vehicles and additional parking.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary across the campground. Some sites are described as spacious and private, particularly in the Lower Loop, while others, especially "double" sites, can feel cramped with RVs parked back-to-back. Shade and windbreaks are provided at many sites for added privacy.

Total Campsites93 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose waterfront sites like #12 for the best views and access to water. Avoid Site 17A due to its inconvenient location next to the bathhouse.

Need help booking Left Tailrace?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Left Tailrace Campground provides numerous recreational activities, with fishing being the primary attraction. Visitors can enjoy other activities such as disc golf, boating, birding, and picnicking. The campground also has playgrounds for children and large day-use areas.

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh winds and bug prevalence are noted hazards. "Super buggy, had mosquitos sticking their tongues through the screen." Water quality issues have also been mentioned, with users describing brown, smelly tap water.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted in designated fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours appear to be enforced, though user reviews mention occasional disturbances after hours.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest hospital is approximately 40 miles away. "The Fee shack employee's are very helpful... highlighting the route right to the emergency door at the hospital which was nearly 40 miles away."

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available at the campground, but specific locations and pickup schedules are not detailed in the source material.

Water FeaturesCampground is directly on Lake Francis Case and offers fishing and boating amenities.

Camp HostHosts have received mixed reviews, ranging from highly helpful and friendly to neglectful in monitoring disturbances and addressing theft.

Weather at Left Tailrace

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

549 reviews

Satisfactory

Left Tailrace is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, friendly staff, and excellent fishing opportunities. However, some users have raised concerns about theft, water quality, and occasional late-night disturbances.

Review Summaries

Based on 549 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently commend the "friendly and helpful hosts," "large and level sites," and "well-maintained facilities." Many reviewers also appreciate the affordable rates, especially for those...

Based on 549 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include reports of theft, poor water quality (described as brown and sometimes chlorine-scented), and occasional disturbances such as loud music and vehicles during quiet hours.

Based on 549 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest bringing long hoses for water access, as not all sites have close spigots. Some recommend avoiding certain sites, such as 17A (near the bathhouse) or double sites if privacy is a...

Based on 549 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews often mention high winds, bugs, and busy conditions, especially during holidays. Spring and fall are noted for their quieter atmosphere and cooler weather, making them ideal seasons...

Based on 549 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This Corps of Engineers campground is always awesome. The grounds, roads, and facilities are well maintained." - Steve W. "Bathrooms were very purpose-built... but there was poo on the wall in the...

Based on 549 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 12 in the Lower Loop is frequently praised for its views and proximity to amenities. However, Site 17A is criticized for being cramped and too close to the bathhouse. Double sites often receive...

Based on 549 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some reviews highlight difficulties for those needing accessible fishing areas, as the rocky shoreline can be challenging to navigate.

Based on 549 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Reviewers have generally positive experiences, with some mentioning dog-friendly staff.

Based on 549 reviews

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Last updated April 3, 2026

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